Work permits can either be obtained at the school your child attends or through the Iowa Workforce Development Center, call 319-365-9474, or visit our location on the Lower Level of Lindale Mall:4444 First Ave. NECedar Rapids, IA 52404

In order to obtain a permit, you must present a certified copy of your child's birth certificate to the Iowa Workforce Development Center.

Pre-registering before an election places your name in the Election Register at your polling place and will make for a hassle-free voting experience. If you are not in the Election Register when appearing at your polling place, you must prove your identity and residence before being allowed to vote. This will take time and documentation. It is highly recommended that you register to vote or update your registration prior to the Pre-registration Deadline.

While it is highly recommended that you register to vote or update your registration prior to Election Day, you may still register after the Pre-registration Deadline? Election Day Registration Information

Linn County is represented by five Supervisor districts. Each member of the Board of Supervisors must live in the district he or she represents. To find what district you live in, visit the Linn County Election Services website http://www.linncountyelections.org/lookup/.

Public meetings are regularly scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are held at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Check the county website or call our office at 319-892-5000 for any exceptions to the regularly scheduled times.)

Thank you for your interest in serving on a volunteer county advisory board or commission. To be considered for appointment, please complete an application (found on the Board of Supervisors webpage) and return it to the Linn County Board of Supervisors for consideration.

The Board of Supervisors determines agenda content. For items not on the agenda, opportunity for public comment is provided during each board meeting. In accordance with state law, the board cannot take formal action on items presented during the public comments portion of the meeting. For more information contact the Board of Supervisors office at 319-892-5000.

Permit fees are established to offset the cost of administering the building codes including plan review, inspection, inspector vehicles, staff support and record keeping. Building permit fees are calculated based on the valuation of the building or the work (material and labor) involved. In most cases , the building department determines the valuation based on square footage of various components. Please see our Building Permit Fee Table (attached) or contact the Building Division at (319) 892-5130 for an estimate on the permit fee.

Yes. Alterations and repairs require building permits. Certain work is exempt from permits, for example: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work. If you have questions regarding work requiring permits, please call (319) 892-5130.

Inspections are required at various stages of work in progress before that work is covered up. Footings require inspection before pouring concrete. Underground electrical, mechanical and plumbing work is inspected before covering. Rough in electrical, mechanical, plumbing and framing must be inspected before covering with insulation or finish material (gypsum board). Inspections are also required on gas piping systems and electrical services. Final inspection and approval are required before occupancy of the building. Note that Linn County inspectors are trained and certified as combination inspectors, which means each inspector is responsible for inspecting all trades.

Office staff are available from 8 - 5 each workday at (319) 892-5130 to take your inspection requests. (It is not necessary to speak to an inspector to set up an inspection. For better service, please do not leave an inspection request on voice mail).

Allow at least four hours lead time for an inspection. Inspection requests after noon will be scheduled for the following morning.

Typically, inspectors are in the field performing inspections from 9:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. The best time to reach an inspector in the office is 8:00 – 9:00 in the morning and 4:00 – 5:00 in the afternoon. We do have one inspector available at 7:30 a.m. for questions, you can contact him by calling our main number (319) 892-5130. We can on a case by case basis, do inspections between 8:00 - 9:30 when needed. Unlike some city jurisdictions, Linn County inspectors do not return to the office over the lunch hour due to the driving distances involved in the county. Our office phone number is (319) 892-5130.

Separate Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permits are required. Application for a building permit includes the submittal of two sets of construction drawings. In order to determine a valuation and permit fee, please include the area in square feet for: each floor, finished basement, unfinished basement, garage, decks and porches. Plans are thoroughly reviewed by an inspector for code compliance before issuance of the building permit. Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permits must be obtained and work performed by contractors licensed in the respective trade. (Call the Building Division for information on qualifying as a homeowner for obtaining these permits). For further information view our Single Family Dwelling Form at the website link below. Before the above permits can be issued, the Planning & Zoning Division must verify that all zoning requirements are met and must also approve a site plan. You will need to submit a site plan showing the dimensions of the property, the locations of wells, septic drainage field and existing structures. You will also need to show the location of the proposed improvement showing dimensions from property lines and from existing structures. This site plan should be legible and reproducible. Contact the Linn County Planning and Development Department for information on required submittals for constructing a new house or garage at (319) 892-5130.

Contact the Public Health Department at (319) 892-6000 for information on well and septic system permits and the Linn County Engineer at (319) 892-6400 for information on a driveway entrance permit and addressing permit. Single Family Dwelling Handout

The State of Iowa has given counties the authority to develop zoning regulations and to adopt building codes for their unincorporated areas. However, the State has declared that farms should be able to operate relatively free from local restrictions. This "right to farm" is contained in the following sections from the Code of Iowa:

335.2 Farms exempt.

Except to the extent required to implement section 335.27, no ordinance adopted under this chapter applies to land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings or other buildings or structures which are primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes, while so used. However, the ordinances may apply to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit or excavation in or on the flood plains of any river or stream.

331.304.3.b Farms exempt.

A county building code shall not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings which are primarily adapted for use for agricultural purposes, while so used or under construction for that use.

Even though the State exempts farms from zoning and building regulations, it has provided few guidelines as to what should be considered a farm. In order to qualify under the agricultural exemption, it must be clearly demonstrated that the principal use of the land and the proposed building(s) is farm-related. This includes proposed dwellings, and that the occupants of the dwelling are primarily engaged in agriculture.

We strongly encourage anyone wishing to claim the exemption - especially for a new house - to contact us prior to the start of construction to determine if the exemption is appropriate. The farm exemption applies only to Linn County zoning and building regulations. Other permits (such as floodplain development, well, septic, E911 address or driveway access) may be required. Please contact the appropriate county department for information.

We may be reached at (319) 892-5130 or you may submit an information request by contacting us at plan_dev@linncounty.org.

Linn County Public Health does routine physical exams for children age 4 or older for a fee regardless of insurance coverage. Please call (319) 892-6093 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Your residential address determines what ballot you will receive. You may find your sample ballot by using our Elections Look-up Tool.

The Linn County Election Services office has the sample ballots set up in this manner so the data is easy to find and less confusing for our users. Sample ballot styles can vary in number by the complexity of the election. Linn County Elections Look-up Tool

After this date, individuals wanting to register will need to complete Election Day Registration at our office when voting absentee or at their polling place on Election Day. Election Day Registration Information

A residence for voting purposes is where the voter's home is located. A business or any other non-residential property cannot be used for voter registration purposes unless that place is a primary, nighttime residence for the voter. Homeless people are residents of the place where they usually sleep.

The voter can only declare one residence for voter registration purposes. There is no restriction on how long a voter has to live somewhere before it can become a residence for voting purposes.

The Iowa Code does allow a voter's registration to be challenged for the reason that the voter is not a resident at the address where the voter is registered to vote.

Our office can mail a replacement voter registration card to you. Voter registration cards must be mailed. You may not pick up your registration card at the Auditor's Office. You may request a duplicate voter registration card over the phone (319-892-5300).

Once you have registered to vote, you do not have to register before each election, unless you move to a new county in Iowa or new State. Voter registration is not transferable across county jurisdictions.

If you have moved or changed your name, you must update your voter registration. You may update your voter registration by completing a voter registration form and mailing it to our office.

Iowans who are temporarily away from their homes do not lose residency for voting purposes. As long as a voter does not register in more than one place, the voter's registration status will remain as it is.

Iowans who are temporarily away from their homes do not lose residency for voting purposes. As long as a voter does not register in more than one place, the voter's registration status will remain as it is.

An individual who has power of attorney does not have the authority to sign a voter registration form, request an absentee ballot, or cast an absentee ballot on behalf of the voter. If a voter is unable to sign, the voter can use a stamp or make a mark to sign. The voter may also ask for assistance and have someone sign the form on the voter's behalf as long as it is done in the voter's presence and with the voter's permission.

Ballots are secret and voters have the right to vote for any candidate they want.

The only time that party affiliation is important in terms of voting is in the case of a political party caucus or a primary election. In those cases, voters must be registered with the political party whose caucus or primary they wish to participate in. Voters have the right to change their affiliation and then participate in the caucus or primary election on, or prior to, the day those events are being held. Voters can only participate in one party's caucus or primary election each time those events take place.

Yes. However, your record can only be viewed or obtained by others for specific purposes outlined below.

Voter registration records are public records as defined by Chapter 22 of the Code of Iowa. The records must be available for public inspection at reasonable times (§48A.34). Iowa law does not allow for a voter's registration record to be made private.

Iowa law allows for the purchase of voter registration lists (See Iowa Code section 48A.38.) Requests can be made at our office. Both the Secretary of State's Office and county auditors are required to maintain a log containing the name, address, and telephone number of every person who receives voter registration information.

A voter's Social Security number, driver's license number, non-operator ID number, and the name of an individual agency where a voter registration form was completed are confidential information and are never given to anyone requesting voter lists.

Using the information for any commercial purpose is a serious misdemeanor under Iowa law.

An individual who has power of attorney does not have the authority to sign a voter registration form, request an absentee ballot, or cast an absentee ballot on behalf of the voter. If a voter is unable to sign, the voter can use a stamp or make a mark to sign. The voter may also ask for assistance and have someone sign the form on the voter's behalf as long as it is done in the voter's presence and with the voter's permission.

If you need help marking your ballot due to a physical disability or inability to read the ballot, you may choose any person to help you except your employer, your employer's agent, or an officer/agent of your union.

If you are not physically able to sign the forms, you can use a stamp or make a mark to sign. You may also ask for assistance or have someone sign the form on your behalf as long as it is in your presence and with your permission.

There are also procedures for "spoiling" mailed absentee ballots that are sent with your absentee ballot.

If you make a mistake, place all voting materials in the return envelope. Write “SPOILED BALLOT” on the return envelope. Mail or deliver the envelope to the County Auditor and request a replacement ballot.

You can track your absentee ballot online by using the Track Your Absentee Ballot search. You can see the date your absentee ballot request was processed by our office, the date the office sent your ballot, and the date the office received your voted ballot.

Also you may call the Linn County Elections Office. Our phone number is 319-892-5300. There are procedures for obtaining a reissued ballot.

In Iowa, all absentee ballots that are received on time are considered for counting. Absentee ballots received by Election Day are counted on Election Day. Ballots received after Election Day but before the deadline are counted when the absentee and special voters' precinct board meets as long as they are postmarked the day before Election Day or earlier.

Linn County registered voters may change their address without any proof of residency.

After the end of voter pre-registration:

Linn County registered voters will need to have proper proof of residency to update their address if it is outside their previous precinct.

The following are acceptable proofs of residence:

Non-expired photo ID (this may list a previous address)

Utility bill (including a cell phone bill)

Bank statement

Paycheck

Government check or other government document

Attester

If you cannot prove where you live with the documents listed above, a registered voter from your precinct may attest for you. Both you and the attester will be required to sign an oath swearing the statements being made are true.

Falsely attesting or being attested for is registration fraud. It is a class “D” felony and is punishable by a fine of up to $7,500 and up to 5 years in prison

Linn County registered voters who move within their precinct do not need to provide proof of residency.

The best way to prove residency when making a change of address is with a valid Iowa driver’s license with a current address printed on it.

Primary Elections:These elections take place on even number years and the election is countywide. In the state of Iowa, the Primary Elections are “closed primaries” which means a voter wishing to participate will need to declare a party to vote the party’s primary ballot. Typically, there is only the Democratic and Republican Party ballots for the Primary Elections. There have been Primary Elections where additional parties have been added.

General Elections: General Elections are held on even number years and the election is countywide. There are two types of General Elections, Presidential General Elections and Gubernatorial Elections. Presidential General Elections are held to elect the President of the United States on the first Tuesday followed by the first Monday in November every four years (2004, 2008 for example). Gubernatorial Elections are held to elect the Governor of Iowa in on the first Tuesday followed by the first Monday in November every four years (2006, 2010 for example). It is common for other Federal, State and County Offices, Township positions, a Judicial Ballot and public measures to be on the General Election ballot.

City Elections: City elections are held on odd number years and only incorporated cities have city elections. Depending on the city and the form city government, positions on the city election ballot will vary. Registered voters who reside in the city are allowed to participate in this election. City elections are held on the first Tuesday followed by the first Monday in November every two years.

School Elections: School Elections are held on odd number years. Depending on the school district and the form of the school board, positions on the school election ballot will vary. Registered voters who reside in the school district are allowed to participate in this election. School elections are held in September every two years.

Special Elections: Special Elections can be held on specific dates set by the Iowa Secretary of State during a calendar year. Special elections can be used to fill vacancies and to vote on public measures on a State, County, City or School District level. Common special elections in Linn County are Local Option Sales and Services Tax, School Bond and Revenue Purpose Statements and to fill vacancies.

In the state of Iowa, the Primary Elections are “closed primaries” which means a voter wishing to participate will need to declare a party to vote the party’s primary ballot. Typically, there is only the Democratic and Republican Party ballots for the Primary Elections.

Currently in the state of Iowa, instant runoff elections are not allowed. It is best to contact your legislator if you wish have this added to the State Code. You may find your state legislator online at www.linncountyelections.org/lookup.

Currently in the state of Iowa, recall elections are not allowed. It is best to contact your legislator if you wish have this added to the State Code. You may find your state legislator online at www.linncountyelections.org/lookup.

The cost of the 911 permit is $100.00. You will need an entrance permit on file before a 911 address can be issued. We can check to see if there is a permit on file.

If no entrance permit is on file, you will need to apply for one. The entrance permit costs $50. We will need to know the top surface width of the driveway where it crosses the right of way. Residential driveways can be 16’ – 24’ wide and Commercial driveways can be 16’ – 30’ wide. A technician will go to the property to verify that the driveway conforms to our standards. The permit will be returned to you with any information needed to make the driveway conform. You can apply for the 911 address at the same time and on the same permit. We will need to know the approximate location of the entrance off the county road and where the building will be located.

If there is an entrance permit on file, you can apply for the 911 address. We will need to know the approximate location of the entrance off the county road and where the building will be located. The 911 permit, address and information will be sent to you through the mail. Please allow a week.

No, there will be times when access is not possible for local traffic. Local traffic will be allowed on the concrete pavement as soon as maturity is reached (typically within 48hrs.). All residents adjacent to the concrete paving are encouraged to plan travel accordingly during construction. The lack of access is an inconvenience but greatly reduces the amount of time for construction and results in a better product.

Emergency services will do all they can to respond to emergency situations. If the shoulder width is not sufficient for access, emergency vehicles will travel on the paved roadway, whether the concrete is mature or not. Concrete can be replaced.

All affected schools, mail routes, parks, etc. will receive notice of the construction. Affected property owners are required to coordinate individually with each specific service. Property owners adjacent to the paving are required to remove mailboxes during the project.

All (concrete, asphalt, sealcoat, rock, etc.) drives adjacent to the paving will receive a granular taper to allow for the difference in road elevation (approx. 7”) after paving. Additional rock is available for $10/ton (10 ton minimum) if the property owner would like more rock. Property owners can pay to have their paved drives adjusted at a cost of $5/sq foot. The cost to adjust a typical driveway is approximately $1,800. The rock placement and paved drive replacement is limited to within the County right-of-way. Please contact the Engineer’s Office if you are interested in having your paved drive replaced.

During projects, Linn County gives the adjacent property owners the opportunity to participate in safety improvements. This involves flattening entrance side slopes (6:1 – 6 feet horizontal to every 1 foot vertical) and eliminating headwalls. The flattened side slopes allow errant vehicles to pass over the entrance. The flattened slopes are easier to mow and maintain and allow farm equipment to turn into drives with less risk of sliding into the ditch. The property owner is asked to participate by purchasing the pipe needed to extend to the 6:1 slope. The county will provide the earth to finish the driveway and do rough shaping of the slopes. Please contact the Engineer’s office if you are adjacent to a project and did not receive a letter regarding these safety improvements.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for project updates through Notify Me on our website. Notify Me will allow you to receive updates by e-mail, text message or both. Updates can also be obtained by calling the Linn County Engineer’s Office at (319)892-6400.

Chloride, MC-70 and Seal Coat are your dust control options. Please contact our office at 319-892-6400 for more information.

ChlorideMay be applied 2 times/yearSprayed in liquid formNormal maintenance to road by county maintainer after appliedWorks by drawing water from the air, thus maintaining some effectiveness in dry weather.Water soluble

MC-70 (oil)Single applicationSprayed on rock surfaceLight layer of sand applied to allow traffic to use road immediately and blot excess oilMay last multiple years if maintained well by owner. Factors affecting performance are traffic, weather, owner care and base stability.Patching is the responsibility of the owner and must be done through the permit process which allows access to patch material at our shop locations at no additional cost

Seal CoatAsphalt slurry and rock chips placed on a prepared base and then rolledCare of seal coat is responsibility of permit holder.Average life 2-6 years if properly cared for and placed over a solid base and multiple applicationsPatching needs to be done through the permit process which allows access to patch material at shops

Yes. If you would like someone from the Engineering and Secondary Road Department to check it, you need a $50.00 non-refundable retain permit from our office. Then, the foreman will look at the road. If the oil is savable, the permit will allow you to obtain patch material at a County shop. If the oil is not in good shape, we will contact you so you can sign up for new oil. Permit to Retain

No. The permit fee pays for the department to send someone to go to the property and check the condition of the oil or seal coat section. The permit also allows you to pick up patch mix from a county shop to fill potholes within your dust control section.

Yes. It is a County road and you can pay to put dust control on any County road you want. What you will want to do is to make sure they don’t pay for dust control for the same portion of the road, as well. If they also want dust control, you can get together and share the cost or lengthen the distance of dust control.

Yes. They can blade lightly through chloride and lignin without damaging its effectiveness. We only blade through the dust control if there are holes that need to be filled. Any dust control areas on the road need to be marked so workers know the dust control agent is there when they come through with the blade.

View our map of the districts. The general areas but not exact are:District #1: SW 1/4. West of I380. District #2: SE 1/4. East of I380 & South of Hwy 151District #3: NE 1/4. East of Hwy 13 & North of Hwy 151District #4: NW 1/4. West of Hwy 13 & North of County Home Road Map of Districts

Yes. The permit costs $50.00 To apply, come to the Engineer’s Office at 1888 County Home Road in Marion. We will need to know the top surface width you want where the driveway crosses the right of way. Residential driveways can be 16’ – 24’ wide and Commercial driveways can be 16’ – 30’ wide. After you apply for the permit, a technician will go to the property to check sight distance, drainage and ditch depth. The technician will note on the permit the width and length of culvert needed or that a dry fill is allowable. The County does not supply the materials or install the culvert. The property owner is responsible for extending the culvert if needed.

You can have a second driveway if your property is larger than 1 acre, there are no potential safety or drainage problems, there is a physical reason that the first drive can not be used for the purpose of the 2nd drive and if you are not in a subdivision with single access restriction. You will need to obtain an entrance permit from the Engineer’s Office at 1888 County Home Road in Marion. The entrance permit costs $50 and is non-refundable. We will need to know the top surface width of the driveway where it crosses the right of way. Residential driveways can be 16’ – 24’ wide and Commercial driveways can be 16’ – 30’ wide. A technician will go to the property and check sight distance, drainage and ditch depth. They will note on the permit the width and length of culvert needed or that a dry fill is acceptable. The County does not supply the materials or install the culvert. The property owner is responsible for installing the culvert.

You will need to obtain an entrance permit because you are changing from a field drive to a house drive. The permit costs $50 and can be obtained at the Engineer’s Office at 1888 County Home Road in Marion. We will need to know the top surface width you want where the driveway crosses the right of way. Residential driveways can be 16’ – 24’ wide and Commercial driveways can be 16’ – 30’ wide. A technician will go to the property and check sight distance, drainage and ditch depth. They will note on the permit the width and length of culvert needed or that a dry fill is allowable. The County does not supply the materials or install the culvert. The property owner is responsible for installing the culvert.

Roads are plowed based on traffic. Initial efforts focus on roads with higher traffic volumes. These roads are designated as priority routes and are typically destination-based, meaning they provide service between two high traffic destinations. For example, County Home Road between Highway 13 and Interstate 380 is a priority route with a great deal of traffic. Hard surface roads with lower traffic volumes are plowed next, followed by sub-division roads. Gravel roads are plowed between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm. We first attempt to open gravel roads to one lane of traffic and then remove the rest of the snow over the following days.

Our policy, which is available on this web site, sets our normal hours of operation at 7am to 3:30 pm. These hours can be extended to 4 am to 6:00 pm for snow emergencies. If you have an emergency outside of these hours, dial 911. Winter Maintenance Operations Policy

No. Gravel roads that become slick are roughed up with a motor grader to provide better traction. In some cases, lime, rock chips, sand, or rock is applied to the surface. Salt on a gravel road causes maintenance problems as the road begins to thaw out, often making conditions worse.

We push snow beyond the shoulders to reduce drifting problems and in preparation for the next snow event. Snow that is piled just outside of the traveled portion of the road, including shoulders, is a visual obstruction for motorists entering the roadway from driveways and intersections. Also, snow that is pushed farther back will melt into the ditch and away from the roadway. The county holds right-of-way outside of the traveled portion of the road for the purpose of snow storage and drainage.

Per our policy, Linn County will not repair or replace mailboxes, fences or other private fixtures located in the right-of-way when they are destroyed or damaged during snow removal operations unless such action can be determined to be willful or malicious. Furthermore, Linn County will not replace mailboxes damaged or knocked down by the force of snow thrown from a plow. Winter Maintenance Operations Policy

The Linn County Historic Preservation grant application is available online each spring for Linn County non-profit organizations. You must show proof of non-profit status, such as articles of incorporation or an IRS opinion letter establishing tax-exempt status.

Due to legal restrictions, Iowa Code Section 331.901(5), organizations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management are not eligible for Linn County grant funds.

Eligible activities include: projects designed for the purpose of collecting and preserving historical materials, artifacts, places, or structures; maintaining a historical library or collection; conducting historical studies or research; issuing publications; providing public lectures of historical interest; or otherwise disseminating a knowledge of the history of the area to the general public. Grant proceeds may not be used for the purchase of physical structures, e.g., buildings.

All Linn County jobs require completion of an online Linn County Employment Application. If you wish to submit a cover letter and resume in addition to the application, you may do so. You will not be contacted if you submit a cover letter and/or resume only.

Applications are accepted for a 10 calendar-day period when a job becomes available. If a position becomes available later that you are interested in, you will be required to resubmit your online application for the new position.

All Linn County jobs require completion of an online Linn County Employment Application. Applications can be completed on any computer with Internet access or at the computer kiosk in the Human Resources Department on the First Floor of the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center located at 935 Second Street SW in Cedar Rapids.

The City of Cedar Rapids posts current job openings on their website at www.cedar-rapids.org. Applications may be downloaded and printed for completion. Completed applications may be emailed to hr@cedar-rapids.org; printed, regular applications may be delivered to City Hall at 101 First Street SE in downtown Cedar Rapids.

For more information, contact the City of Cedar Rapids Human Resources Department at 319-286-5000.

Work permits can either be obtained at the school your child attends or through the Iowa Workforce Development Center located on the Lower Level of Lindale Mall at 4444 First Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids. You may also reach them by phone at 319-365-9474. In order to obtain a permit, you must present a certified copy of your child's birth certificate to the Iowa Workforce Development Center. For more information, log on to www.iowaworkforce.org.

Newspaper AdvertisementsRefer to the Cedar Rapids Gazette's Classified Ads Section on Sundays for Linn County job openings. Multiple jobs are listed as a display ad under the General category and individual jobs are categorized according to the type of job. For example, a Social Worker would be listed under the Human Services category and a Clerk Typist would be listed under the Clerical category. Linn County jobs may also be posted on the Corridor Careers website at www.CorridorCareers.com.

InternetVisit Linn County's home page for more information about County government and to access the online application process for Linn County jobs at www.linncounty.org. Click "Job Openings" to apply online and to view descriptions of current job openings. For more information, please contact the Human Resources Department during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 319-892-5120.

Bulletin Board PostingsAll County jobs are posted on a bulletin board located outside of the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center at 935 Second Street SW in Cedar Rapids. In addition, all County jobs are posted at various agencies, colleges, etc., in and around the Cedar Rapids area. The Iowa DES Workforce Center also receives and posts all Linn County jobs in their office and on an internet website.

The fastest, most efficient way to apply for benefits (file your initial claim) is online. The Internet filing option is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please visit www.iowaworkforce.org for more information.

You may also file an unemployment claim at your local Workforce Development Center. The Cedar Rapids Workforce Development Center (Iowa Works) is located at 4444 First Avenue NE, Suite 436 in Cedar Rapids (the Lower Level of Lindale Mall). You may contact the center by phone at 319-365-9474.

All referrals to detention come from law enforcement or juvenile court. A child has to have broken the law and be deemed a risk to themselves or the community to be considered for acceptance in the detention center.

Only parents and legal guardians may visit residents. Parents may bring siblings and grandparents with them. All visitors must have a photo ID. We have set visiting hours. Please call to schedule visits.

Residents may only take phone calls from their parents or legal guardians. While on the phone with a parent, residents may talk to a sibling or grandparent. Residents are allowed one 5 minute call a day to or from their home.

To make a reservation to ride LIFTS, call 319-892-5170, dispatch will be connected. Please call between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance.

LIFTS will not accept reservations in the form of a phone message, but you can leave us a message to call you back and make a reservation.

Be prepared to provide the following information when speaking with our staff:

Any special loading instructions, such as use alley, side door, call ahead, etc.

Appointment time (if any), or requested time for pick up

Date riding

Description of special needs, such as using a wheel chair, type of wheel chair (electric, extra wide, etc.) oxygen tank, service animal, escort, etc.

Doctor’s name and phone number (if any)

Drop off address

Name and contact number of the person requesting the reservation

Pick up address (include apartment or suite number)

Your name (rider's name if calling in for someone)

LIFTS staff will then negotiate a pickup time within a two hour window (one hour each way) of your initially requested time. Once a time has been negotiated the bus may arrive 15 minutes before or after this time based on delays or cancellations that occur.

Cities that have regular, fixed route buses are required by the ADA to provide complimentary transportation within 0.75 of a mile of all bus routes to people with disabilities, who are ADA eligible. In our area, ADA paratransit services cover nearly all of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha.

United Way 211 is a free confidential information and referral service, ready to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. United Way 211 helps connect individual and families to community resources and the services they need, such as utility or rent assistance, food and clothing, counseling, and much more. Just dial 211 or toll free 866-469-2211. From a cell phone or pay phone, please dial 319-739-4211.

Contact the Social Security Administration Offices at 319-393-0045. They will mail you an application. If you can get copies of your doctor’s reports to send in with the application, it well help speed up the process.

If you need to add, cancel, or change day camps, contact Wickiup Hill at 319-892-6485. Summer camp reservations cancelled more than 10 days prior to the start of a camp will receive 20% of the fee back. Reservations cancelled less than 10 days prior to the first day of a camp are nonrefundable. Transfers from one camp to another may be made with no penalty, provided class limits permit. Camps cancelled by Wickiup Hill staff will be fully refunded.

There are several ways to find out who owns property. Current ownership records are maintained by the County Auditor’s Office. You will need to know the address for the property, its Geo-Parcel Number (GPN), or its legal description. If you know any of these you may call the Auditor’s Office at 319-892-5300. If you just know the general location but do not have any of the specific information listed above, you will probably need to visit either the Auditor’s Office or the Planning and Development Department to look at maps and have county staff help you determine current ownership. Ownership records are a matter of public information. Offices are located in the Administrative Office Building, 935 Second Street SW in Cedar Rapids. The Auditor’s Office is located on the 2nd floor; Planning and Development is on the 1st floor.

The State of Iowa has given counties the authority to develop zoning regulations and to adopt building codes for their unincorporated areas. However, the State has declared that farms should be able to operate relatively free from local restrictions. This "right to farm" is contained in the following sections from the Code of Iowa:

335.2 Farms exempt.

Except to the extent required to implement section 335.27, no ordinance adopted under this chapter applies to land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings or other buildings or structures which are primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes, while so used. However, the ordinances may apply to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit or excavation in or on the flood plains of any river or stream.

331.304.3.b Farms exempt.

A county building code shall not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings which are primarily adapted for use for agricultural purposes, while so used or under construction for that use.

Even though the State exempts farms from zoning and building regulations, it has provided few guidelines as to what should be considered a farm. In order to qualify under the agricultural exemption, it must be clearly demonstrated that the principal use of the land and the proposed building(s) is farm-related. This includes proposed dwellings, and that the occupants of the dwelling are primarily engaged in agriculture.

We strongly encourage anyone wishing to claim the exemption - especially for a new house - to contact us prior to the start of construction to determine if the exemption is appropriate. The farm exemption applies only to Linn County zoning and building regulations. Other permits (such as floodplain development, well, septic, E911 address or driveway access) may be required. Please contact the appropriate county department for information.

We may be reached at (319) 892-5130 or you may submit an information request by contacting us at plan_dev@linncounty.org.

The staff at Linn County Planning and Development would be happy to accept public speaking requests. The staff is available for public speaking on various topics concerning Building, Planning and Zoning. Please contact our office at (319) 892-5130 or via e-mail from our staff page.

The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are open through the lunch hour. If you would like to make an appointment, contact our staff. We are located at 935 Second Street SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our main phone number is (319) 892-5130. We also have limited staff available @ 7:30 a.m. to take phone calls for inspections requests only.

Garages and sheds are considered accessory structures on property zoned for residential use. Accessory structures can be built on property that has a principal permitted use (house). The garage must maintain all required setbacks and typically cannot be located closer to the road than the principal permitted structure. Any garage or shed over 120 square feet requires building permits, please see Residential Guidelines for Attached Garages and/or Residential Guidelines for Detached Garages. Contact the Linn County Department of Planning and Development for details at (319) 892-5130.Link to Building Handouts

Original covenants are recorded with the subdivision plat. Iowa Code states covenants are effective for 21 years. They automatically sunset unless renewed by the homeowners or their representatives. There is a process to amend covenants. Any amended covenants are recorded with the Recorder's Office under the subdivision name. Linn County Recorder Website

Please be aware that a mobile home and a manufactured home have different definitions and are subject to different zoning regulations.

In general, a manufactured home is one that was built after June 15, 1976 in compliance with federal standards. A manufactured home will bear a "HUD seal" (Housing and Urban Development) certifying that it is in compliance with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. A manufactured home is considered a single family dwelling, and any single family dwelling must meet the following requirements:

a. Have a minimum width dimension of twenty-two (22) feet for its main body;

b. Have continuous and complete foundation and footing for its main body;

c. Have for the exterior wall covering either:

Wood or masonary finish, or the appearance thereof; and/or Vertical or horizontal grooved siding or lap siding or the appearance thereof.

A mobile home is not considered a manufactured home by definition, and is only permitted in a mobile home park.

Linn County maintains online mapping where aerial photos can be viewed. There is a link to the online mapping below and a help sheet titled: internet mapping instructions is also at this link. If you need further assistance, please contact our staff at Planning & Development at (319) 892-5130. Linn County Online Mapping Services

You will need to go to the Linn County Engineering and Secondary Roads office. The address is: 1888 County Home Road, Marion, Iowa and the phone number is (319) 892-6400. Linn County Engineering Website

The county's Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan Map designates areas for growth and development, agricultural land protection, or for open space or other natural resource conservation. Each map designation has corresponding written land use policies. These policies provide guidelines to landowners, elected and appointed officials, citizens and county staff in making decisions regarding development proposals in unincorporated Linn County.Linn County Comprehensive Land Use Map

Yes. It is called a cut-off day. A cut-off day is the last day you can submit a case for the next month's case cycle. Cases of this nature would include a rezoning, final plat, conditional use, or variance. The cut-off day is normally the 3rd Thursday of the month. Contact our staff at 319-892-5130 for further information, or check Planning & Development Calendar for application deadline dates. Planning & Development Calendar

Qualification for the Family Farm Credit is determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on the relationship between the owner and participant. Property must be qualified by June 30 of the year of application. An owner / participant must sign an application by November 1 of the year of application.

Note: The owner is responsible for notifying the assessor of changes in the Family Farm Credit application. Changes include, but are not limited to, adding or subtracting acres or a change of renters (non-family tenants do not qualify).

When symptoms occur, it is usually within 3 to 15 days after the mosquito bite.

You can help control the mosquito population and prevent WNV by following these simple steps:

Remove old tires, and buckets from your yardChange the water in birdbaths and pet dishes every 3 daysAvoid over-watering flower pots and gardensClean gutters regularlyKeep pools chlorinated and cover them when possibleRepair holes that cause puddles in driveways and yardsApply 30 % DEET repellent when outdoors – Use no more than 10% DEET on childrenWear baggy or loose-fitting clothing when outdoorsRepair holes in door and window screensAvoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawnReplace outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights and avoid using bug zappers--they attract more mosquitoes than they kill

The Special Needs Registry is maintained by the Linn County Emergency Management Agency. Linn County Residents who have a disability or special need and would require help to evacuate in an emergency, can enroll on the Linn County Special Needs Registry. You may also enroll those you care about who could benefit from the registry if they are Linn County Residents.

What Kind of Help Would You Possibly Need?

§ Visually Impaired: I may need to be led to safety.§ Hearing Impaired: I may need TDD or other special emergency warning notification.§ Mobility Impaired: I may need special transportation to evacuate, like an ambulance or handicapped accessible bus.§ Mental Health Conditions: I may need help with supportive services because I may have a significant issue coping during an emergency due to my mental health concerns.§ Intellectual Disabilities: I may need a family member or someone assigned to me in a shelter.§ Medical Conditions: I need electricity for medical equipment.

3 Ways to Register

1. Call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-866-469-22112. Complete and return a Special Needs Registry Card, which was delivered with your Yellow Book Telephone Directory3. Go to www.linncounty-ema.org and complete the Special Needs Card online.

Contact our office at (319) 892-6000 to request a septic and well review. Our staff will conduct tests on the systems and provide a report that states the reliability and safety of the systems. A well water analysis can also be conducted.

Public Health, fire or building and zoning departments may require permits. Any process creating or venting an air contaminate should be considered for a permit from Public Health. Contaminates include both particles and gases. There are a number of exemptions such as mobile sources, residential heating, lab vents, and similar small sources that aren’t associated with any production or manufacturing. Please refer to our code section 10.5 “Locally Required Permits”. If you are unsure as to the need for an air permit, the best answer is to contact our office by telephone at (319) 892-6000. Someone in the Air Quality section will be able to assess your need regarding the permit requirements

The number one cause of children becoming lead poisoned is deteriorating lead-based paint found in older homes. Lead dust is also a concern when you have lead-based paint on surfaces that are chewable or that undergo friction or impact. The only way to know whether your child is lead poisoned is through a blood lead test.

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas present in the soil. Radon can lead to lung cancer when it gets into buildings where we breathe the radon and it's radioactive decay products.

Radon is undetectable except through specific testing. Every home in Iowa should be tested for radon. Most people start the testing process by using a do-it-yourself radon test kit. Testing for real estate transactions is a little different, call for information 1-319-892-6000 or www.lchh.org

Yes! New homes can include a passive radon system that will prevent some radon from entering the home and provide infrastructure for easily and cheaply reducing radon levels further when needed. For information on new construction techniques call 1-319-892-6000 or www.lchh.org.

When the passport agent accepts an application, they will ask for the following: Your completed application (must be completed in BLACK ink), your photo identification, a certified copy of your birth certificate (the hospital certificate with footprints is NOT an acceptable birth certificate), the appropriate passport fee.

If you can answer yes to the following questions you can renew your passport without visiting a passport agent.1. Can you submit your most recent U.S. passport book and/or U.S. Passport card?2. Were you at least 1 years old when your most recent passport book and/or card was issued?3. Were you issued your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card less than 15 years ago?4. Your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card has not been lost, stolen or damaged?5. Do you use the same name as on your recent U.S. passport book and/or card or have you had your name changed by marriage or court order and can you submit proper documentation to reflect your name change?

The process is simple. Acquire a U.S. Passport Renewal application form and follow the instructions on the form. You will send your paperwork directly to the Passport Processing Center and they will send the renewed passport directly to you.

Your license to marry does not expire. Once it is picked up from the Recorder's Office, it is good until you are married. If you do not pick up your paperwork, the Recorder's office will hold it for six months, then lapse it, and you will not be able to use it.

You may call VitalCheck at 1(866)809-0290 to order a certified copy. You must have a credit card in your name. The fee is more for this service than if you order in person at the county registrar's office.

You may “hold” your bid by writing a personal check for the full amount you bid to the Linn County Sheriff if it is accompanied by a letter of guarantee from the bank you are writing the check on. Depending on where you bank, you will be given enough time to go to your bank and get a cashier’s check for the full amount you bid and return it to the Linn County Sheriff's Office. At that time you will receive back your personal check. In any event, this transaction must be completed by noon of the day of the sale. Another possibility is; if you know the maximum you are going to bid, you may have a cashier’s check already made out to the Linn County Sheriff for that amount. If your actual bid is less than that, you will be refunded the difference.

Pursuant to the Code of Iowa, 626.85, the judgment holder may proceed against you for the amount you bid. If the judgment holder does not wish to proceed against you, the sale will be treated as a nullity and the sheriff will then proceed as mandated by the Code of Iowa.

The judgment holder almost always starts the bidding. Generally, the judgment holder bids in writing a plaintiff’s bid on judgment. This bid is usually given to the sheriff before the day of the sale. The judgment holder’s bid, if given to the sheriff prior to the sale, is considered a sealed bid and will not be disclosed until the sale is called.

If you purchase property with a redemption period, you will be issued a certificate of purchase. When the redemption period is up, you may then return the original certificate of purchase to the sheriff and you will then receive a Sheriff’s Deed. It is very important that you do not lose the original certificate of purchase. If you lose it, you will not receive a sheriff’s deed until you get a court order directing the sheriff to issue you a duplicate certificate of purchase. (626.96) If you fail to have a sheriff’s deed issued within 8 years after the date of issuance of the certificate of purchase, the sheriff’s sale will be cancelled. (626.97)

If the sale notice indicates there is a redemption period; that is the amount of time that the defendant has right to redeem the real estate after the sale. If the defendant makes redemption, this must be completed at the Linn County Clerk of Court’s Office.

In a Special Execution, the court directs what the sheriff shall sell.In a General Execution, the plaintiff directs the sheriff what to sell.If the plaintiff directs the sheriff to sell real estate pursuant to a General Execution, the sheriff sells only the right, title and interest that the defendant has in the real estate. Before bidding for any real estate at a sheriff’s sale, it is wise to consult an attorney.

Proper identification is required to visit an inmate. Proper identification is an official photo identification card with the person's name and date of birth on it. Visitors are required to register at the time of the visit by providing this information.

Collect phone calls are allowed from: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.All calls have a pre-programmed message that prompts the person receiving the call to accept the call if they will pay the charges. If you do not wish to accept the call, simply hang up.

Only if an inmate is garnished due to court fines, etc., will someone be allowed to bring in the following:-Three (3) pairs of WHITE socks - unopened package. -Three (3) pairs of WHITE underwear (must be briefs) - unopened package. -Three (3) WHITE T-shirts (cannot be armless) - unopened packageThe clothing can be brought to the lobby window at the Linn County Correctional Center.

People wanting to place money in an inmate's account may do so by bringing cash to the lobby window at the Linn County Correctional Center or by sending a money order to the Correctional Center (P.O. Box 608, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0608). Inmates are not allowed to have more than $100.00 in their account.

The person requesting the block must bring the following:-A copy of their phone bill corresponding to the number being blocked. -Photo identification to show they are the person responsible for the bill.-Bring these items to the lobby window at the Linn County Correctional Center and advise the Duty Officer you wish to have your number blocked in our system.

There are several reasons why a phone number may be blocked:-The number may be blocked at the request of the account owner of the phone number. If this is the case, they must request the block be removed by bringing a copy of their phone bill and a photo identification card to the Linn County Correctional Center. -The number may be blocked for collect calls due to an unpaid bill. This issue must be resolved by contacting your phone provider who is responsible for placing the block in the first place. -The owner of the phone account may have requested collect calls not be allowed at their phone.

Removal of the block must be done at the request of the account owner through their phone provider.

The Sheriff's Office will not obtain releases for inmates. Those inmates who feel they should be released for an emergency need to contact their attorney, who can then petition the Court for a release.

Yes, the release is yearly as long as there is court fine debt. Before going to Motor Vehicle to register your vehicle please contact the Sheriff's Office Financial Division for a release. The registration release will be granted only if your payment plan is current; if not you will have to rectify the difference.

After 60 days with no payment, we will notify the Clerk of Court that you have failed your plan; the Clerk of Court will notify the Department of Transportation to suspend your driver's license due to non-payment. You will be ineligible for a driver's license until those driving cases are paid in full, per the Iowa Code they can never be put on another plan.

If you know of anyone who has not satisfactorily paid his or her court obligation and know where the individual is employed, please feel free to contact the Linn County Sheriff's Office Financial Division with that information. All contacts will remain confidential.

The Sheriff's Office processes in excess of $20 million dollars annually. These funds are generated from civil processing, grants, inmate funds, seizure funds, bonds, court fines, room and board, and all other revenues. The division is responsible for maintaining the integrity and safety of all funds held by or passed through the Sheriff's Office. This is acheived by establishing and maintaining generally accepted accounting practices.

The Civil Service testing date will vary, check back to this website often for updates on testing dates/times. The physical tests begin at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday and are followed by the POST (National Police Officer Selection Test) entrance written exam that same morning.

The number of new-hire deputies will vary. Based on averages in the last ten years, the Sheriff’s Office will hire two or three new deputies each year. This is done to replace those officers who have retired, quit, or for some reason are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office.

The Civil Service Commission will announce the testing date and deadline for resumes in local and regional newspapers, as well as the internet and various websites. We will post this information on our website as well.

To be admitted to the testing site, you must have turned in, by the posted deadline, a completed application form, including a photo and all high school and college transcripts. You will also need your photo driver's license and your social security card the day of testing. You may not be admitted to the test site without all required documents.

You will know the results of the physical tests immediately. If you fail the physical testing, you will not be allowed to take the written test that follows. The results of the written test are usually available approximately ten days later. You will be contacted by the Civil Service Commission advising that you passed or failed. If you passed the testing, you will be scheduled for an interview with the Civil Service Commission.

The minimum training and experience required for the position of Deputy Sheriff include:

High school diploma or equivalent, an Associates Degree in a related field is preferred; No experience is required; Must pass the Civil Service Exam; and Complete the training program at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy during the probation period.

Necessary special requirements include:

Valid State of Iowa driver’s license; The ability to obtain and maintain certification in the following areas: CPR First aid Weapons qualifications Intoxilyzer operation Radar unit operation Jail procedures, and Medication dispensing. SEE "BENEFITS PACKAGE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS" LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MINIMUM REQUIREMENT STANDARDS.

Applications for weapon permits will be processed between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm at the Linn County Sheriff's Office. Completed applications will be accepted during normal business hours but if submitted after 4:30 pm, you may need to return to the office the next day to complete the process.

The application process takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. This is how long it takes to apply, this does not reflect how long it will take to complete the entire process, which includes a background check and review before the permit can be issued. This process will be completed as quickly as possible but it will take a few days to get the permit issued. As a courtesy, we generally mail the permits to applicants but if you need your permit sooner, please advise our staff that you would prefer to come back and pick it up so that you don't have to wait on the mail. They will then call you when your permit is ready.

724.8 PERSONS INELIGIBLE FOR PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS:No professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons shall be issued to a person who is subject to any of the following:1. Is less than eighteen years of age for a professional permit or less than twenty=one years of age for a nonprofessional permit.2. Is addicted to the use of alcohol3. Probable cause exists to believe, based upon documented specific actions of the person, where at least one of the actions occurred within two years immediately preceding the date of the permit Application, that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person's self or others.4. Is subject to the provisions of section 724.26.5. Has, within the previous three years, been convicted of any serious or aggravated misdemeanor defined in chapter 708, not involving the use of a firearm or explosive.6. Is prohibited by federal law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm.

Identification documentation for an Iowa resident” is defined as any of the following:1. A driver’s license or non-operator identification card that contains a photograph of the person and that has been issued by the Iowa department of transportation; or2. A motor vehicle license or non-operator identification card that contains a photograph of the person and that has been issued by a state other than Iowa and at least one current document indicating Iowa residency including a residential lease agreement, utility bill, voter registration, tuition receipt for a college or university in Iowa, or other documentation that is acceptable to the issuing officer and that indicates the intent of the person’s presence in Iowa is something other than merely transitory in nature; or3. A document which contains the name, place of residence, date of birth and photograph of the holder issued by or under the authority of the United States, a state or a political subdivision of a state and which is of a type intended or commonly accepted for the purpose of identification of individuals and at least one current document indicating Iowa residency including a residential lease agreement, utility bill, voter registration, tuition receipt for a college or university in Iowa, or other documentation that is acceptable to the issuing officer and that indicates the intent of the person’s presence in Iowa is something other than merely transitory in nature; or4. A motor vehicle license or non-operator identification card that contains a photograph of the person and that has been issued by a state other than Iowa and a document indicating that the person is a member of the United States armed forces on active duty and whose permanent duty station is located in Iowa; or5. A driver’s license or non-operator identification card that contains a photograph of the person and that has been issued by the Iowa department of transportation and an immigration document containing the alien registration number (ARN) of a permanent resident alien or nonimmigrant alien and documentation indicating that the person has resided in the state for at least 90 consecutive days prior to making application. A nonimmigrant alien shall also be required to display a valid hunting license issued in any state. (Iowa Administrative Code 661—91.1(724) Definitions.)

Proof of residency may be necessary in some cases. This is generally done by use of utility bills with applicants name on them, for the address in question over the past 90 days.

Applicants must show a valid ID (See FAQ for Identification Required for Permits to Purchase or Carry). Address on ID must be current.

Applicants must show proof that they have met the requirements set forth in Iowa Code Chapter 724, before receiving a permit. To see the entire code section go to: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/index.html

To summarize this code; 1. Applicants must show proper Identification (see required identification FAQ).2. Applicants must apply for a permit to the Sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides.3. Applicant must have completed training, if required.4. Applicant will pay required fee at time of application. $50 cash or credit card for new permits, $25 for Renewals and Duplicates.

A professional permit also requires an employer's authorization on the application, along with a letter on company letterhead stating they are employed with that company and requests the individual to carry a weapon while on duty.

Training is required for any initial (new) Non-Professional Permit to Carry Weapons. Training is NOT requried for anyone who has previously held a permit that was issued on or after 1/1/2011, even if applicant is not renewing the permit within the 60 day renewal window. Failure to renew within that time frame only affects the fees (higher permit fee of $50, if not done during renewal time frame) but does not affect the training requirement.

Training is required for an initial permit (first ever permit for applicant or first permit since 1/1/2011) and that training must have occurred within 24 months prior to date of application (except for the 2 military exceptions). Approved methods of training are:• Completion of any National Rifle Association (NRA) handgun safety training course.• Completion of any handgun safety training course available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, community college, college, private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or certain other firearms training certifying bodies (such as the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy).• Completion of any handgun safety training course offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of a law enforcement or security enforcement agency approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.• Completion of small arms training while serving with the armed forces of the United States as evidenced by any of the following:- For personnel released or retired from active duty, possession of an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.- For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the national guard or reserve components of the armed forces of the United States, possession of a certificate of completion of basic training with a service record of successful completion of small arms training and qualification.• Completion of a law enforcement agency firearms training course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of the peace officer's duties.• Completion of Hunter Education Program IF program includes "handgun safety training" and completion of the handgun safety training is included on the certificate of completion.

Although the Sheriff's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays), the Patrol Division can be reached 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for routine and emergency responses at (319) 892-6100.

Although there are situations where a deputy will need to speak with you in person, some lesser crimes can be reported over the telephone. The communications operator or deputy will determine if your report can be handled over the telephone.

You may inquire by name at the following websites: www.iowasexoffender.comwww.nsopw.govIf you would like to view the frequently asked questions, go to the following website: www.iowasexoffender.com/faq/contentIf you would like to view the "Most Wanted" offender, go to the following website: www.iowasexoffender.com/mostwanted

If you purchased a vehicle, you will bring in the title, along with the supporting documents (see below) to transfer. If you are an Iowa resident and are selling a vehicle, you must have an Iowa title. If you have an out of state title, you will need to pay $25.00 to obtain the Iowa title. Seller(s) must sign and print their name of the back of the title. If the word “and” is used on the face of the title, all owners must sign. The date of sale must be entered. If the vehicle is 9 years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer section and legend box on the title . If the vehicle is 7 years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer and the damage disclosure section. Any alterations, erasures or cross-outs may void the title and a replacement may be required. If purchased from a dealer, a purchase agreement is required. You can also refer to the “How to Sell your Vehicle in Iowa “guide by Iowa DOT. Many situations would require more information. Call your Linn County Treasurer’s Office at 319-892-5500 for assistance. Every transfer requires an Application for Title and must be signed by all buyers. Please refer to the forms section for the application for title.

If you moved to Linn County from another county in Iowa, you can get an updated registration to reflect your current address at our office, located at 935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. You will keep the same plates & title, but you will now renew your vehicles with us. Your plates are valid throughout the state but if you would like Linn County plates, you must surrender your old plates and pay an additional $5 fee. If you are leasing a vehicle, please contact our office at 319-892-5500 for more information. If you moved to Linn County from another state, you will need to bring in your driver’s license, social security number & out of state title so that we can issue an Iowa title. (If a lienholder has your title, you can bring in your out of state registration instead of your title.) We will also need an application for title and/or registration signed by all owners on the title and/or registration. Get an application at this link:

If you sold your vehicle & do not plan to replace it; turn your plates in within 6 months of the date of sale and we will apply for a refund of any credit, $10 or more.

If you sold your vehicle and plan to replace it within the next 6 months; you may use those plates on your next vehicle. Any credit, $10 or more, will be applied to the registration on your new vehicle.

If you have turned in your leased vehicle, you will need to fill out a Claim for Refund and a Lease Termination along with your plates. You can then apply for a refund as long as there is $10 credit or more left.

If you moved out of state, you will need to fill out a claim for refund and also send in a current copy of your out of state registration for each vehicle. You can then apply for a refund as long as there is a $10 credit or more left.

The Claim for Refund and Lease Termination form can be found under the forms link.

There are many circumstances regarding the death of an owner of a vehicle. Please contact our office at 319-892-5500 for any questions about this. Please have the title with you in case we have questions please refer to this chart below for transfers.

Replacement titles must be obtained from the County where it was issued.

All owners on the face of the title must sign for a replacement title, even if there is OR between the names.

If you just made an error on your title and you need a replacement, you can surrender your title, complete an Application for Replacement Title, pay $25, and get a title the same day.

If the title to your vehicle was altered, destroyed, lost, or stolen you may obtain a replacement for $25.00. You need to complete an Application for Replacement Title, pay $25, and after 5 days your title will be printed. If the scheduled print day falls on a weekend or holiday, your title will be printed on the next working day. You can indicate on the application if you would like the replacement title mailed to you or if you would like to come back and pick it up. The 5 day waiting period will NOT start until we receive the application for replacement title and the $25 payment.

All of the vehicle information required on this form can be found on your vehicle registration. All owners on the face of the title must sign for a replacement title even if there is an OR between the names.

If you have a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder may have the title. If you had a lien originally and it was paid off, please call the Treasurer’s office to see if the lien was released on our system. If not, you will need a notarized lien release from the lienholder on their letterhead.

•Property Taxes are due in September and March of every year.•The first half of taxes are due September 1st with penalty starting October 1st.•The second half of taxes are due March 1st with penalty starting April 1st.

Property taxes are due in September and March of every year. You may make partial payments at any time but any remaining balance still owing after the delinquent date (October 1 and April 1) will accrue penalty at 1 ½% interest per month.

You can pay either the full year in September or just the September installment.

Only one billing is sent out for your tax bill. The tax bill has two coupons at the bottom. Each coupon is for one half of the tax bill.If you have bought or sold property, be sure to know if the buyer or seller is responsible for paying the taxes on each parcel. This is something that would have been discussed in your closing agreement.

You can pay property taxes by mail (please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope if you would like a receipt), in person, over the phone or online at: www.iowataxandtags.org

•You can pay either the full year in September or just the September half.•Only one billing is sent out for your tax bill. The bottom of the tax bill has two coupons. Each coupon is for each half of the tax bill. If you do not pay the full year in September, be sure to remember you will have the second half due in the month of March.•If the last day of either September or March falls on a weekend, you will have the following business working day to pay your taxes without penalty.

•Be sure to bring your tax bill with you to pay them or include the coupons if you mail your payment to the office.•We have a secure payment box at the kiosk.•If you've bought or sold property, be sure to know if the buyer or seller is supposed to pay the taxes on each parcel. This is something that would have been discussed in your closing agreement. Since our tax bills are only billed once a year in the month of August you will not receive a tax bill from us because it has already been sent to the previous owner.•Keep track of a list of your parcel numbers and a list of the payments made.•Remember that taxes can always be paid online. It only costs 30 cents to use your checking account information to pay online.www.iowataxandtags.org

The Linn County Treasurer does not keep record of mortgage companies payment responsibility and if they should be making your property tax payment. You will want to contact your mortgage company if there is any question about whether they are going to make that payment or if you need to.

The homestead credits and Military Exemptions are done with the Assessor’s office. If you live inside the City Limits of Cedar Rapids, then you would want to talk with the City Assessor ( 319-286-5888). If you live outside of Cedar Rapids, then you want to talk to the Linn County Assessor (319-892-5220). They will be able to give you the deadline for the credits and exemptions to be filled. Click the link below to see where the homestead and military credit are on the tax bills. Sample Property Tax Bill

The Linn County Assessor determines property values and provides notification to property owners outside the City of Cedar Rapids. The Cedar Rapids Assessor determines property values and provides notification to property owners within the city limits. Please contact the Linn County Assessor’s Office at 319-892-5220 or the Cedar Rapids Assessor’s Office at 319-286-5888 for the latest valuation information on your property or for any questions.

A tax clearance must be obtained first in order to transfer a mobile home title. A tax clearance is issued if ownership changes or if the home is moving. A tax clearance assures that all taxes are paid before the new owner(s) title it. After the tax clearance is obtained, a title transfer can be done. All owners that are going on the new title will need to sign the Iowa Application for Title. Please see the Motor Vehicle Title section for more information on transferring a mobile home title

The Annual Tax Sale is an auctioned sale of delinquent property taxes. Bidders have to pay a registration fee in order to buy properties at tax sale. They purchase the taxes for what is owing and then the hold a lien against the property. It could be for one dollar or thousands of dollars. The tax sale is every third Monday in June. There are two kinds of certificates. There is a regular certificate that is purchased the first time at tax sale. There is also a public bid (PB), taxes that are one year delinquent and no one purchased at the tax sale. Then it was offered again at the next year’s tax sale and then it was offered and purchased. If the tax sale is a regular certificate, the certificate holder has to wait a minimum of one year and nine months before they can start the process of taking deed to the property. They also have up to three years from the date that it was purchased at tax sale to start the process of taking deed to the property. If it goes past the three years since the date of purchase of the tax sale, then they can no longer take deed to the property. If the tax sale is a PB, the tax sale purchaser only has to wait nine months before starting the process of taking deed to the property. They have all the way up to three to start the process of taking deed to the property. If it goes past the three years since the date of purchase of the tax sale, then they can no longer take deed to the propertyTaking deed to a property by the tax sale process, it is a ninety day process. The property owner can still redeem the taxes during this time. Once the ninety days are up, the property owner will no longer be able to redeem and loses their property for the percentage of the tax sale certificate.Tax sales incur penalty or interest at 2% each month that it goes unredeemed. Once a property is at tax sale, any other delinquent subsequent taxes that still owe after Nov 15th and May 15th can be purchased by the tax sale certificate holder and added to the tax sale amount without having to wait until the 3rd Monday in June. Tax sales are redeemed with certified funds (cash, cashier’s check, or money order) and an Affidavit of Redemption of a Parcel sold for Taxes form (http://linncounty.org/208/Forms) .

Being a legal resident of Linn County for at least 30 days. Residency shall be defined to mean that a domicile has been established with the indigent to remain, which may be demonstrated, by a driver’s license, a lease, and enrollment of children in school, registration to vote, or other indicators of good faith residence.

Having been discharged under Honorable, or General under Honorable Conditions. Veteran must also provide a copy of the DD-214 (discharge papers).

Veterans that have an appointment scheduled at the VA Hospital may call the DAV Transportation for a ride. Please call at least 24 hours ahead of the scheduled appointment. DAV VAN phone number is 319-339-7061 available Monday - FridayThe Corridor Medical Shuttle also offers rides to the VA Hospital and U of I Hospital at no cost for Veterans. The phone number is 319-892-5170. Call to make a ride reservation no later than noon the day before the appointment. This service is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Cedar Rapids.

If you meet the definition of veteran from Iowa Code Chapter 35.1 or Retired Military, Bring in your Retired Military ID and Drivers License or the DD214 Military Discharge and we will certify and help you fill out the form for you to take to the DOT station. This form must be done before you renew your license to get Veteran designation on it.

Each year, Linn County receives $80,000 from a trust established by Weaver Witwer, a prominent Cedar Rapids grocer and landowner who died in 1979. Mr. Witwer established the trust as a way to give back to the community in perpetuity. Each year, Linn County awards these funds to local non-profit organizations through a competitive grant process. The funds must be used to benefit Linn County residents.

An account is required to submit the Witwer Trust grant application online. For instructions on how to create an account, read the "New Applicant" instructions on the Witwer Trust Grant Program webpage.

Applications are accepted once a year. The application cycle begins Nov. 1 of each year, and applications must be received by Dec. 15. Applications must be submitted online at www.linncounty.org. Linn County does not accept grant applications via email, fax or paper copies.

Grant applications are screened for completeness by Linn County staff. Incomplete grant applications and applications that do not meet eligibility criteria or guidelines are ineligible for grant funds and will not be reviewed. Complete grant applications and those meeting the grant eligibility criteria and guidelines are reviewed and scored by the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Funding decisions are made in February.

The total amount of funding available for all grant applicants is $80,000. There is no cap for grant requests. However, please use common sense in making your requests. Approximately 50 applications are received each year totaling $250,000. Please keep this in mind as you develop your budget and grant request. The Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust Grant Program receives more funding requests than it can possibly grant. If support of a worthwhile program is declined, this decision does not reflect on the value of the group or service, but rather on the need to be selective because resources are limited. A link to previously funded projects is available at www.linncounty.org/witwer.

Witwer Trust grants will be made only to non-profit organizations that are located in Linn County, Iowa or that have a branch location in Linn County and whose work benefits Linn County residents. Proof of non-profit status is required. Grant funds must be used for programs or projects that benefit Linn County residents. Applicants who have not submitted the required final report for previous Witwer Trust grants are not eligible for funding. Due to legal restrictions, Iowa Code Section 331.901(5),organizations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management are not eligible for Linn County grant funds.

Grant funds must be used for programs or projects that benefit Linn County residents. Requests for programmatic and capital projects are eligible; requests for operating support, including salary/wages/benefits of staff, are not. Grants must be for expenses that have not yet been incurred.

A list of previously funded projects is available at www.linncounty.org/witwer.

No. Only one application is allowed per organization. If an organization submits more than one grant application, all applications submitted by that organization will be deemed ineligible for grant funds and will not be reviewed.

No. Only one proposal is allowed per organization, and only one project is allowed per proposal. If an organization submits a proposal requesting funding for more than one project, the proposal will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed.

This is a competitive grant program for non-profit organizations in Linn County to be used for historic preservation projects. Eligible projects include collecting and preserving historical materials, artifacts, places, or structures; maintaining a historical library or collection; conducting historical studies or research; issuing publications; providing public lectures of historical interest; or otherwise disseminating a knowledge of the history of the area to the general public. Grant application packets are available on the Linn County website March 1 and applications are due April 1 by 5 p.m. If April 1 falls on a weekend, applications are due the following Monday by 5 p.m.

Application information will be available on our website beginning Feb. 1.

Yes; however, the applicant and fiscal sponsor must complete, sign and submit the fiscal sponsorship agreement that is available for downloading on Linn County's website at www.linncounty.org/witwer. The fiscal sponsor must meet the grant eligibility requirements.

Any Witwer Trust grant funds awarded as a result of the grant application will be made payable to the fiscal sponsor and the fiscal sponsor is responsible for the disbursement, utilization, and accounting of the grant funds in accordance with the grant award.

The Assurances form can be downloaded from the grant application webpage at www.linncounty.org/witwer. Scroll to the bottom of the page. There are two Assurances forms. One is for non-profits and one is for applicants using a fiscal sponsor. Please be sure to use the correct form for your organization.

If you receive an account locked notice due to account inactivity, follow the instructions you receive in the email to unlock your account. See the "Returning Applicant" instructions at www.linncounty.org/witwer for more information.

Separate Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permits are required. Application for a building permit includes the submittal of two sets of construction drawings. In order to determine a valuation and permit fee, please include the area in square feet for: each floor, finished basement, unfinished basement, garage, decks and porches. Plans are thoroughly reviewed by an inspector for code compliance before issuance of the building permit. Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permits must be otained and work performed by contractors licensed in the respective trade. (Call the Building Division for information on qualifying as a homeowner for obtaining these permits). For further information view our Single Family Dwelling Form. Before the above permits can be issued, the Planning & Zoning Division must verify that all zoning requirements are met and must also approve a site plan. You will need to submit a site plan showing the dimensions of the property, the locations of wells, septic drainage field and existing structures. You will also need to show the location of the proposed improvement showing dimensions from property lines and from existing structures. This site plan should be legible and reproducible. Contact the Linn County Planning and Development Department for information on required submittals for constructing a new house or garage at (319) 892-5130.

Contact the Public Health Department at (319) 892-6000 for information on well and septic system permits and the Linn County Engineer at (319) 892-6400 for information on a driveway entrance permits and addressing permits. Single Family Dwelling Handout

The State of Iowa has given counties the authority to develop zoning regulations and to adopt building codes for their unincorporated areas. However, the State has declared that farms should be able to operate relatively free from local restrictions. This "right to farm" is contained in the following sections from the Code of Iowa:

335.2 Farms exempt.

Except to the extent required to implement section 335.27, no ordinance adopted under this chapter applies to land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings or other buildings or structures which are primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes, while so used. However, the ordinances may apply to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit or excavation in or on the flood plains of any river or stream.

331.304.3.b Farms exempt.

A county building code shall not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings which are primarily adapted for use for agricultural purposes, while so used or under construction for that use.

Even though the State exempts farms from zoning and building regulations, it has provided few guidelines as to what should be considered a farm. In order to qualify under the agricultural exemption, it must be clearly demonstrated that the principal use of the land and the proposed building(s) is farm-related. This includes proposed dwellings, and that the occupants of the dwelling are primarily engaged in agriculture.

We strongly encourage anyone wishing to claim the exemption - especially for a new house - to contact us prior to the start of construction to determine if the exemption is appropriate. The farm exemption applies only to Linn County zoning and building regulations. Other permits (such as floodplain development, well, septic, E911 address or driveway access) may be required. Please contact the appropriate county department for information.

We may be reached at (319) 892-5130 or you may submit an information request by contacting us at plan_dev@linncounty.org.

Yes. It is called a cut-off day. A cut-off day is the last day you can submit a case for the next month's case cycle. Cases of this nature would include a rezoning, final plat, conditional use, or variance. The cut-off day is normally the 3rd Thursday of the month. Contact our staff at 319-892-5130 for further information, or check our Planning and Development Calendar for application deadline dates. Planning & Development Calendar

Current zoning maps can be found at the Linn County Online Mapping site. Click on the Online Map service. Click accept if prompted (you may need to download Adobe Flash). Type in the parcel address or GPN (if GPN switch the Search Layer Field) and click Search. Then click Zoom in upper right hand corner. At the top left of the page is a box that reads More. Click on it, and click the grey arrow to the left of Land Records. Scroll down and check Rural Zoning. Click Base Map next to More and choose 2012 Imagery. If the zoning doesn't appear, zoom into the parcel closer, or call 319-892-5130 and ask for assistance. Linn County Online Mapping Services

It is possible to operate a business from your home if the business meets certain criteria. A permit is required if any of the following are true of your business:

has non-resident employees has more than (5) five customer visits in one day or more than three at once has commercial vehicles or business equipment parked outside all or a portion of an accessory building is being used for the business

Please contact the Planning and Development Staff to determine whether your particular business will require a permit. Home occupations requiring a permit are granted by the Linn County Board of Adjustment after review and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

A setback is defined by the Unified Development Code as “the minimum horizontal distance between a lot line and a building or structure located upon such lot required by the provisions of this Ordinance.” In order to know the distances from the proposed structure or addition to the lot lines, you need to know where your property lines are located. If your property has been surveyed or is a platted lot, survey pins should be located at the corners of your property. If there are no property pins, or you are unsure of their location, please see the attached “Tips for Locating Your Property Lines.” You may also have easements located on your property. Please keep in mind that an easement must be unobstructed. Make sure to check your abstract for any possible easements on your property.

A setback is defined by the Unified Development Code as “the minimum horizontal distance between a lot line and a building or structure located upon such lot required by the provisions of this Ordinance.” In order to know the distances from the proposed structure or addition to the lot lines, you need to know where your property lines are located. If your property has been surveyed or is a platted lot, survey pins should be located at the corners of your property. If there are no property pins, or you are unsure of their location, please see the attached “Tips for Locating Your Property Lines.” You may also have easements located on your property. Please keep in mind that an easement must be unobstructed. Make sure to check your abstract for any possible easements on your property.

Please use the link below to refer to Section 17- Summary Table of Zoning District Dimensional Standards and turn to page 7-74.

Contact the lead staff person listed on your staff report. The phone number for Linn County Planning and Development is (319) 892-5130 or check our staff page for a direct phone number.Planning & Development Staff Directory

The Iowa Land Use Planning Notebook defines a Deed Restriction (Covenant) as follows:

"A private legal restriction on the use of land, attached in the deed to a property. A deed restriction is most commonly used in the establishment of a subdivision to restrict the use of all individual lots in the development to a certain type of use, e.g., single-family dwellings. Usually the community has no control over deed restrictions." (Source: Huntington, Stuart. Iowa Land Use Planning Notebook, Glossary of common planning and zoning terms. (Iowa State University Extension. Pm-1353. Reprinted March 1995.)

Deed restrictions may also restrict the type of construction materials, the minimum finished floor area, and may even require review and approval of building plans by an "architectural control committee." Deed restrictions, also called restrictive covenants, are private controls and the county has no authority to enforce such restrictions. Enforcement is therefore a civil matter between owners within the subdivision.

The Linn County Unified Development Code regulates the division of land. Any parcel of ground created that is less than thirty-five acres in size must file for a plat of subdivision with the Linn County Department of Planning and Development. Depending on the use of the property (proposed or current) you may also need to rezone your property. Rezoning may be required when a property is being subdivided, resulting in any lot of less than 35 acres of land. A rezoning or subdivision request must meet the required minimum levels of service (MLS) and have a Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) score calculated for the property. There are different MLS requirements for different land use designations on the Linn County Land Use Plan Map; however, they are all required to be within 1/4 miles of a hard service road. Well and septic requirements as well as maximum distances to a fire station are additional services required. Minimum levels of service are items that must be met and no variances are allowed. Contact the staff at Linn County Planning and Development at (319) 892-5130.

Linn County has broadened the definition of what was once called a Farmstead Split. It is now called a Residential Parcel Split, which allows the splitting off of a dwelling from the larger tract of land if it meets the following criteria:

A dwelling being on the property on, or prior to, January 1, 1985 ( or significant evidence of a dwelling, if not currently in existence )

All resulting parcels have access to an abutting public roadway

A minimum of 1 acre shall be required for each residential parcel split

This process nor any former "farmstead split" zoning process has previously been used to sever a lot from the parent tract

If the remaining land results in less than 35 acres, that remaining land needs to be included in the plat of subdivision and noted as a non-buildable lot, or combined by deed restriction with an adjacent parcel of land to total over 35 acres. For consideration, a residential parcel split requires a fee, an application signed by the property owner, site plan and either a plat of survey or plat of subdivision. A plat of subdivision may be required if the division of land results in any remaining tract being less than 35 acres that cannot be combined by deed restriction with an adjacent parcel.

The site of the previously existing dwelling must still be currently intact and shall not have been converted to agricultural production.

The purpose of the Land Preservation Parcel Split is to prescribe uniform procedures to allow a single division of land from a parent parcel which contains one or more single family residential structures and which the proposed division does not qualify as a Residential Parcel Split. A land preservation parcel split shall only be approved when all of the following conditions are met: the parent parcel qualifies as a legal lot of record; the parcel proposed for the split (i.e. "bonus parcel") shall contain a minimum of one (1) net acre, must include an existing single family dwelling and may include associated accessory structures; and if one or more dwelling(s) exist on the parent parcel which which qualify for a Residential Parcel Split, that process must be completed prior to, or in conjunction with, the Land Preservation Parcel Split process. The following provisions shall apply to the remaining land (i.e. "land prservation parcel") of the parent parcel: the land preservation parcel shall be designated as an Outlot on the plat; the land preservation parcel shall contain a minimum of 10 net acres; and the land preservation parcel may not contain any principal dwelling or other principal structure, but may contain existing accessory buildings or structures (such as agricultural buildings) associated with the use of the land preservation parcel.

For further information please contact the Planning and Development Staff at (319) 892-5130.